Difference Between Zoysia Grass & Crabgrass

Grass Blade Structures

• Both zoysia and crabgrass have smooth blades. However, the flower stalks of crabgrass has branches that grow in 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch intervals, according to the University of California. Zoysia has one spike-like shoot growing from the tips. Oftentimes, a reddish tint can be seen on the base of crabgrass. Crabgrass can grow higher than zoysia grass. You can see 2-foot grass blades popping up in lawns that have been neglected.

Soil pH Range

• Crabgrass and zoysia grass have difference pH ranges that they need to grow. Zoysia grass needs to be grown in a pH range between 5.8 to 6.5 to absorb the nutrients in the soil. Crabgrass is grown within a range of 5.5 to 7.5. To judge what your existing soil pH range is in the yard, you can conduct a soil pH test. Dig a hole that is 6 inches deep and collect soil from the bottom. Follow the directions on the soil testing kit to find out your soil's pH range.

Planting

• Crabgrass is generally planted by seeding the lawn. Only one type of zoysia grass called zoysia japonica is available to plant by seed, according to Texas A&M University Extension. Typically, gardeners either lay zoysia sod or plant zoysia sprigs. Also, crabgrass can be planted at cooler temperatures than zoysia grass. You can plant crabgrass seeds when the soil temperature is around 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Zoysia grass needs soil temperatures to be around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for germination and root growth.

Use

• Zoysia grass is a favorite grass to use in golf courses, athletic fields and home lawns. In fact, gardeners plant these grass types when their lawns receive a lot of wear and tear from children and pets. Crabgrass is an excellent forage crop for grazing animals. This grass type can be eaten down to 3 inches without causing defoliation or harm to the plant. While both grass types can be considered weeds, crabgrass is considered one of the most common weeds found in turfgrass, according to Grounds-Mag.